Jamie Eskdale – June 21, 2024 – Comment
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said after the New York State Athletic Commission suspended Ryan Garcia for one year this week that the organization would not punish Garcia for testing positive for PEDs last April.
The New York Commission handed Ryan a retroactive one-year ban, meaning he cannot compete until April 20, 2025.
Sulaiman feels Ryan needs “support” with the issues he's currently facing in his life and doesn't want to add to his problems. WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney is not happy about Sulaiman supporting Ryan.
WBC President Sulaiman deserves credit for backing Ryan Garcia rather than abandoning him to the jackals sharpening their knives to attack the superstar.
Fans on social media believe the only reason the WBC is siding with Ryan is because he is the fighter who represents money due to his star power and the potential for future mega PPV showdowns.
Uncertainty surrounding Haney's WBC title
In Haney's case, it's unclear if he'll be able to retain his WBC 140-pound title, as Top Rank won the bid for this week's mandatory bout between Devin and No. 1-ranked Sandor Martin, and it seems likely Haney will either vacate his WBC belt or be stripped of it.
Since Haney hasn't publicly stated whether he will retain the WBC title, it makes sense that the governing body would back superstar Ryan Garcia. Ideally, Haney would have decided by now whether he will retain the WBC title and defend it against Martin.
A lot of people, @WBC Boxing to punish Ryan Garcia
We are not here to punish him. We are here to help Ryan the person. He is suffering and going through hardship. This is not about boxing. Ryan needs help and attention right now. Champ, we are here for you. pic.twitter.com/YrYFZQwMVZ— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) June 21, 2024
Last updated: 2024/06/21
